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Japan beats California for Little League World Series title

The Tokyo, Japan, Little League team celebrates after a 6-4 win over Chula Vista, Calif. in the Little League World Series Championship baseball game in South Williamsport, Pa., Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013. Photo: Associated Press/Gene J. Puskar

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Ryusei Hirooka lined a decisive two-run double in the bottom of the fifth inning, Shunpei Takagi hit two solo home runs, and Tokyo beat Chula Vista, Calif., 6-4 on Sunday to win the Little League World Series.

It was the 14th championship game for Japan, which was making its fourth straight appearance in the title game, and ninth title. California, making its 23rd championship game appearance, has won seven World Series titles. Giancarlo Cortez had a two-run single and Grant Holman an RBI single for Chula Vista.

Trailing 4-3 after Cortez’s clutch single in the fourth, Japan tied it on Takagi’s second homer and won it when Hirooka lined a 2-2 pitch down the left-field line for a double.

California beat Westport, Conn., 12-1 in the U.S. championship game Saturday, while Japan beat Mexico 3-2 for the international title.